What West Virginia law says about licensing a boarding kennel or daycare, pets nobody picks up, and rabies. Checked November 2, 2026.
State license
State law requires you to register your kennel each year with the county assessor between July 1 and Sept. 30. The fee is $10, and no inspection is mentioned.
Vets only
A state rule covers only vets: a certified letter, then at least 7 days. A non-vet kennel is not covered, so ask an attorney before rehoming an unclaimed pet.
Required
Dogs must be vaccinated by 6 months of age.
Sources: W. Va. Code § 19-20-3 W. Va. Code R. § 26-4-9 W. Va. Code § 19-20A-2
Facts, not legal advice. Laws change, and your county or city may have its own kennel permit: call them before you rely on any of this.
| State | Kennel license | Pets nobody picks up | Rabies |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Virginia | State license | Vets only | Required |
| Kentucky | No state license | Vets only | Required |
| Maryland | No state license | Covers kennels | Required |
| Ohio | No state license | Unclear | Local rules |
| Pennsylvania | State license | Covers kennels | Required |
| Virginia | No state license | Covers kennels | Required |
Zoning, your county or city, and the fire marshal come too. The Opening Kit walks you through all of them, with the questions to ask each office, then insurance, policies, prices and your first twenty clients.
$99
Eleven chapters, plus three free months of Goodstay from the day you open
Opening in West Virginia? See the kit